Propulsion paddle system

ABSTRACT

A propulsion paddle system including a paddle-assembly having a pole including a first-end, a second-end, a handle, a floater, and a paddle. The handle is proximal to the first-end, the floater positioned between the first-end and the second-end, and the paddle is proximal to the second-end. The paddle includes an inverted umbrella profile which is configured to open and close to allow the pole to move forward with minimum friction. When the pole is pushed backwards, the paddle opens up to move a maximum volume of water and propel a user and a floating device such as a paddle board, boat or other watercraft through a body of the water. The present invention provides a pole and paddle combination that enables users to exert their energy efficiently when propelling a floating device, such as a paddleboard.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/419,920 filed Nov. 9, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of propulsion devices and more specifically relates to paddles.

2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Many people enjoy paddle boarding. Paddle boarding participants are propelled by a swimming motion using their arms while lying, kneeling, or standing on a paddleboard or surfboard in the ocean. Paddle boarding is usually performed in the open ocean. Examples of stand-up propulsion methods include long-handled versions of canoe and kayak paddles, punting poles for pushing off the bottom, and various types of ski-poles. Paddling with these elongated paddles is tiring and inefficient. A suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,062 to Benjamin H. Watson relates to a water walker's propulsion pole. The described water walker's propulsion pole includes a pole which is used to help propel a person on ski floats or water walkers. Each pole comprises a shaft with a hand grip at the top end and, in order from the bottom end: a small float, a propulsion apparatus and a larger float. The floats are bodies of revolution. The propulsion apparatus is a shell of revolution with a semi-elliptical shape and the long axis of the ellipse coincident with the longitudinal axis of the shaft and the open face of the shell facing the bottom end of the pole. The shell is slotted in four places to form four petals. The ends of the petals are interconnected by a garter spring. Also each petal is connected by two ties to a flange on the small float. In use the pole is moved fore and aft in alternate thrust and return strokes. It is at an angle to the water surface with the grip end higher and planes on the water surface in the return strokes and submerges to a depth limited by the buoyancy of the larger float on the thrust strokes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known propulsion devices art, the present disclosure provides a novel propulsion paddle system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a propulsion device for use with paddleboards and other floating devices.

A propulsion paddle system is disclosed herein. The propulsion paddle system includes a paddle-assembly having a pole including a first-end, a second-end, a handle, a floater, and a paddle. The present invention provides a pole and paddle combination that enables users to exert their energy efficiently when propelling a floating device, such as a paddleboard. It improves the forward movement of boats and other floating devices by allowing for a more ergonomic motion by both hands. This assists with a user's equilibrium on the paddleboard and enables users to propel forward with more force.

The propulsion paddle system comprises the paddle-assembly. The paddle-assembly comprises the pole having the first-end, the second-end, the handle, the floater, and the paddle in functional combination. The poles are provided as a pair having a left-pole and a right-pole. The handle is proximal to the first-end, the floater positioned between the first-end and the second-end, and the paddle is proximal to the second-end. The paddle comprises an inverted umbrella profile which is configured to open and close to allow the pole to move forward with minimum friction. When the pole is pushed backwards, the paddle opens up to move a maximum volume of water and propel a user and a floating device such as a paddle board, boat or other watercraft through a body of the water.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a propulsion paddle system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the propulsion paddle system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the propulsion paddle system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the propulsion paddle system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the propulsion paddle system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the propulsion paddle system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a propulsion device and more particularly to a propulsion paddle system as used to improve the propulsion through water using a paddle device.

Generally, the present invention is a paddle for forward movement of ships and other floating devices with a more ergonomic movement of both hands. The present invention comprises a top portion similar to a sky pole, a floater in the middle portion of the pole and the lower portion includes a pushing element similar to an inverted umbrella. The device may be used on floating devices including paddleboards and helps with the equilibrium of a user on the paddleboard. The present invention provides a pole/paddle that enables users to exert their energy efficiently when propelling a floating device, such as a paddleboard. It improves the forward movement of boats and other floating devices by allowing for a more ergonomic motion by both hands. This assists with a user's equilibrium on the board and enables users to propel forward with more force.

It offers a pole with a grip and a strap for balance that includes a floating device on the bottom that acts as a stopper on water so that the paddle does not sink significantly into the water, aiding the equilibrium of the user. The present invention provides a design that allows the pole to move forward with minimum friction and when pushed backwards, the design opens to move a maximum amount of water. Frog Paddle is a paddle for floating devices that requires a natural and ergonomic movement from the user, allowing for the use of gravity when the push is needed to propel the device in the water.

The paddle is similar in construction to a ski pole, and may be constructed from aluminum, plastic or other suitable material. Attached to the top is a grip that has a hole to mount a strap for balance that is fixed with a screw or bolt. Fixed near the bottom of the tubing is a floating, possibly inflatable torus or doughnut-shaped unit. This floating device acts as a stopper on water. Underneath the floatation unit is an inverted umbrella-like device that allows the pole to move forward with minimum friction. It also opens to move water more efficiently. The umbrella device is fixed on top and moveable below. The end of the shaft may be covered with a cap. The dimensions of the device may be proportional to the user. The exact specifications may vary upon manufacturing.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, various views of a propulsion paddle system 100. FIG. 1 shows a propulsion paddle system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the propulsion paddle system 100 may include a paddle-assembly 110 having a pole 120 including a first-end 124, a second-end 128, a handle 132, a floater 136, and a paddle 140. The present invention provides a pole 120 and paddle 140 combination that enables users to exert their energy efficiently when propelling a floating device, such as a paddleboard. It improves the forward movement of boats and other floating devices by allowing for a more ergonomic motion by both hands. This assists with a user's equilibrium on the paddleboard and enables users to propel forward with more force.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the propulsion paddle system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the propulsion paddle system 100 may include the paddle-assembly 110. The paddle-assembly 110 comprises the pole 120 having the first-end 124, the second-end 128, the handle 132, the floater 136, and the paddle 140 in functional combination. The poles 120 are provided as a pair having a left-pole and a right-pole. The handle 132 is proximal to the first-end 124, the floater 136 is positioned between the first-end 124 and the second-end 128, and the paddle 140 is proximal to the second-end 128. The paddle 140 comprises an inverted umbrella profile which is configured to open and close to allow the pole 120 to move forward with minimum friction. When the pole 120 is pushed backwards, the paddle 140 opens up to move a maximum volume of water and propel a user and a floating device such as a paddle board, boat or other watercraft through a body of water.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the propulsion paddle system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the propulsion paddle system 100 may include the paddle-assembly 110 comprising the pole 120 having the first-end 124, the second-end 128, the handle 132, the floater 136, and the paddle 140 in functional combination. The floater 136 is buoyant and is configured to act as a stopper and prevent the pole from sinking significantly in to the water. The floater 136 keeps the pole above water up to the floater 136 on the pole 120 and also aids in the equilibrium of the user. The floater 136 is preferably positioned in a middle portion or lower portion of the pole 120. The floater 136 may include a torus-shaped profile configured around the pole. The floater 136 may be inflatable and deflatable in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, the floater 136 may be rigid and buoyant.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the propulsion paddle system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the propulsion paddle system 100 may include the paddle-assembly 110 having the pole 120. The paddle 140 comprises flexible water-resistant materials. The paddle 140 comprises a rib-assembly 142 within which are configured to support the paddle 140 in an open-position. The rib-assembly 142 comprises long-ribs and short-ribs. The long-ribs are equidistantly spaced and support the paddle 140 in a canopy-like open-position. The short-ribs extend from a runner 144 and further support a corresponding long-rib. The runner 144 is configured to move in relation to a user's-force of the paddle 140 against the water as the paddle 140 opens and closes. The rib-assembly 142 is extended when the paddle 140 is open while the user pushes forward through the body of the water. The rib-assembly 142 and the paddle 140 provide resistance against the water when extended in an open-position. A force of the water retracts the rib-assembly 142 and the paddle 140 in to a closed-position when pulled from the water.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the propulsion paddle system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the propulsion paddle system 100 may include the paddle-assembly 110 having the pole 120 including the first-end 124, the second-end 128, the handle 132, the floater 136, and the paddle 140 providing an effective propulsion device. The handle 132 may further comprise an aperture. The aperture is configured to receive and support a wrist strap 146 via a fastener such as a screw or bolt. The user may then secure the wrist strap 146 around one's wrist. The handle 132 has an ergonomic grip for user comfort.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A propulsion paddle system comprising: a paddle-assembly having; a pole including; a first-end; a second-end; a handle; a floater; and a paddle; wherein said propulsion paddle system comprises said paddle-assembly; wherein said paddle-assembly comprises said pole having said first-end, said second-end, said handle, said floater, and said paddle in functional combination; wherein said handle is proximal to said first-end, said floater positioned between said first-end and said second-end, and said paddle is proximal to said second-end; wherein said paddle comprises an inverted umbrella profile which is configured to open and close to allow said pole to move forward with minimum friction; and wherein when said pole is pushed backwards, said paddle opens up to move a maximum volume of water and propel a user and a floating device through a body of said water.
 2. The propulsion paddle system of claim 1, wherein said floater is buoyant and configured to prevent said pole from sinking, said floater keeping said pole above water up to said floater on said pole.
 3. The propulsion paddle system of claim 1, wherein said floater is positioned in a middle portion of said pole.
 4. The propulsion paddle system of claim 1, wherein said poles are provided as a pair having a left-pole and a right-pole.
 5. The propulsion paddle system of claim 1, wherein said paddle comprises a rib-assembly within which are configured to support said paddle in an open-position.
 6. The propulsion paddle system of claim 5, wherein said rib-assembly comprises long-ribs and short-ribs.
 7. The propulsion paddle system of claim 6, wherein said long-ribs are equidistantly spaced and support said paddle in a canopy-like open-position.
 8. The propulsion paddle system of claim 6, wherein said short-ribs extend from a runner and further support a corresponding said long-rib.
 9. The propulsion paddle system of claim 8, wherein said runner is configured to move in relation to a user's-force of said paddle against said water as said paddle opens and closes.
 10. The propulsion paddle system of claim 9, wherein said rib-assembly is extended when said paddle is open while said user pushes forward through said body of said water.
 11. The propulsion paddle system of claim 9, wherein said rib-assembly and said paddle provide resistance against said water when extended in an open-position.
 12. The propulsion paddle system of claim 9, wherein a force of said water retracts said rib-assembly and said paddle in to a closed-position when pulled from said water.
 13. The propulsion paddle system of claim 1, wherein said paddle comprises flexible water-resistant materials.
 14. The propulsion paddle system of claim 1, wherein said floater comprises a torus-shaped profile configured around said pole.
 15. The propulsion paddle system of claim 14, wherein said floater is inflatable and deflatable.
 16. The propulsion paddle system of claim 14, wherein said floater is rigid and buoyant.
 17. The propulsion paddle system of claim 1, wherein said handle further comprises an aperture.
 18. The propulsion paddle system of claim 17, wherein said aperture is configured to receive and support a wrist strap via a fastener.
 19. The propulsion paddle system of claim 17, wherein said handle further comprises an ergonomic grip.
 20. A propulsion paddle system comprising: a paddle-assembly having; a pole including; a first-end; a second-end; a handle; a floater; and a paddle; wherein said propulsion paddle system comprises said paddle-assembly; wherein said paddle-assembly comprises said pole having said first-end, said second-end, said handle, said floater, and said paddle in functional combination; wherein said poles are provided as a pair having a left-pole and a right-pole; wherein said handle is proximal to said first-end, said floater positioned between said first-end and said second-end, and said paddle is proximal to said second-end; wherein said handle further comprises an aperture; wherein said aperture is configured to receive and support a wrist strap via a fastener; wherein handle further comprises an ergonomic grip; wherein said floater is buoyant and configured to prevent said pole from sinking, said floater keeping said pole above water up to said floater on said pole; wherein said floater is positioned in a middle portion of said pole; wherein said floater comprises a torus-shaped profile configured around said pole; wherein said paddle comprises an inverted umbrella profile which is configured to open and close to allow said pole to move forward with minimum friction; wherein said paddle comprises flexible water-resistant materials; wherein said paddle comprises a rib-assembly within which are configured to support said paddle in an open-position; wherein said rib-assembly comprises long-ribs and short-ribs; wherein said long-ribs are equidistantly spaced and support said paddle in a canopy-like open-position; wherein said short-ribs extend from a runner and further support a corresponding said long-rib; wherein said runner is configured to move in relation to a user's-force of said paddle against said water as said paddle opens and closes; wherein said rib-assembly is extended when said paddle is open while said user pushes forward through a body of said water; wherein said rib-assembly and said paddle provide resistance against said water when extended in an open-position; wherein a force of said water retracts said rib-assembly and said paddle in to a closed-position when pulled from said water; and wherein when said pole is pushed backwards, said paddle opens up to move a maximum volume of water and propel a user and a floating device through said body of said water. 